Mendocino Coast

Travel Guide

Mendocino Headlands State Park featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a gorge or canyon
Mendocino Coast featuring a sunset, general coastal views and a lighthouse
Mendocino which includes general coastal views, rugged coastline and a sunset
Mendocino Headlands State Park showing general coastal views and rugged coastline
Mendocino which includes a small town or village and a house

Discover Northern California’s captivating Pacific Coast, where prairie and pinewoods meet secret coves, windswept dunes, heritage landmarks and cosy communities.

The Mendocino Coast stretches nearly 90 miles (145 kilometers) along the country’s western seaboard, encompassing diverse terrain and laid-back seaside towns. Marvel at nature as you explore the varied coastline, checking out beaches, state parks and historic sights. See Victorian-era architecture in historic towns and savor the region’s wines.

The town of MendocinoOpens in a new window is a designated California historical landmark. Admire the preserved architecture of the 19th-century cottages huddled on the magnificent headland. Find art galleries, theaters and museums in this cozy town. The western edge of the town is bordered by Mendocino Headlands State ParkOpens in a new window, with an array of hiking trails and fantastic viewpoints for looking out over the idyllic town and the coast. Visit between fall and spring for the best chance of seeing gray whales migrating offshore.

Fort BraggOpens in a new window is a charming fishing port with a picturesque waterfront. View the ocean from a chartered boat tour or seaside restaurant. Jump aboard the Skunk Train to ride through the redwood forests. A short distance south of town, the gorgeous Mendocino Coast Botanical GardensOpens in a new window feature a collection of native plants and exotic species.

Glass BeachOpens in a new window lies north of Fort Bragg. Stroll along the beach and search for multi-colored sea glass sparkling on the shore. Between 1906 and 1967, the city’s waste was pushed off the surrounding headlands. Eventually the glass returned to the shores as weathered rubble.

Visit Little River for the town’s beach access and take a kayaking or diving trip. The adjoining Van Damme State Park is a great spot to see the intriguing forests of ancient pygmy trees. Nutrient-poor coastal soils have caused most trees to grow only as high as a person’s waist. See this phenomenon at Jug Handle State Natural Reserve too.

The Mendocino Coast is located on California’s northern coast. The town of Mendocino is about 175 miles (280 kilometers) from San Francisco International Airport. Rent a car or reach the region via public transit.

Find a world of wonder on the Mendocino Coast.

Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.

Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.

2 out of 5
763 N Main St, Fort Bragg, CA
Stay at this hotel in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (979 reviews)
"For the price it was good. The staff did give us an upgraded room which was sweet, but unfortunately the room's AC wasn't working very well. The second night they moved us to a new room with a good AC. It was an enjoyable stay nothing fancy but it definitely checked the budget boxes."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.
Harbor Lite Lodge

Harbor Lite Lodge

2.5 out of 5
120 N Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg, CA
The price is RM1,054 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
RM1,054
RM1,215 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach motel in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free WiFi, a conference center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,247 reviews)
Room with a view
"Our room was very comfortable and we spent our evening on the deck overlooking the beautiful view of the harbor."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Harbor Lite Lodge
Seabird Lodge

Seabird Lodge

3.5 out of 5
191 South Street, Fort Bragg, CA
The price is RM545 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
RM545
RM674 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa lodge in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,024 reviews)
"It was functional and clean but charmless. Staff was competent but not welcoming. We opted elsewhere for breakfast because the room was hot and crowded."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Seabird Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mendo Bungalow

Mendo Bungalow

3 out of 5
44951 Larkin Rd, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (177 reviews)
Good, but could be better
"Front desk was very helpful. Convenient location, but not walkable to town. Room was large with a fridge and microwave.Big bathroom with separate tub and shower. Carpet was filthy. Overall the property was shabby. Everything could use more cleaning and more attention to detail."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Mendo Bungalow
Cottages at Little River Cove

Cottages at Little River Cove

3 out of 5
7533 California 1, Little River, CA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Little River. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Van Damme State Park and Big River are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
Large cottages in Little River, CA
"The cottages are much larger than they appear on the pictures. It was a very comfortable stay - parking was convenient and we stayed at a cottage with one level. Really easy to get in and out of the property."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Cottages at Little River Cove
Sweetwater Inn and Spa

Sweetwater Inn and Spa

3.5 out of 5
44840 Main Street, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly cabin in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Kelley House Museum and Ford House ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (127 reviews)
"It's beautiful, quiet, well equipped and a good rate for what it offers."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Sweetwater Inn and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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